Washington Commanders to Honor Sean Taylor with Commemorative Statue

The Washington Commanders have announced plans to construct a statue in honor of their late former safety, Sean Taylor. This decision comes two years after the organization initially unveiled a memorial installation that received backlash from fans and has subsequently been removed.

Sean Taylor, whose No. 21 was retired by the team in 2022, will be the first player from the franchise to be commemorated with a statue. Taylor’s daughter, Jackie, will play a key role in the statue’s design. Although she was only 18 months old when her father was tragically killed in November 2007, she is excited to be involved.

“I’m just thankful for the whole process,” said Jackie, a freshman volleyball player at North Carolina who proudly wears her father’s former number. “I think the fans will really enjoy what they’re going to see… Getting a second opportunity is nice. There’s a lot of excitement.”

While Jackie expressed gratitude for the previous memorial installation that was displayed in the stadium, many fans felt differently. The initial tribute received criticism for not including the correct jersey brand (Reebok instead of Nike) and for failing to replicate some of Taylor’s distinctive playing style, such as the tape on his facemask. In response to the feedback, the Commanders made adjustments to the installation, incorporating the appropriate gear.

Eventually, the team decided to remove the installation entirely. In a statement, a team spokesperson said, “After careful consideration, we have decided as an organization to remove the Sean Taylor installation from Commanders Field. We realize that the installation fell short in honoring one of our franchise’s most iconic players. Together with the Taylor family, we are working on a plan, which includes unveiling a statue that will rightfully celebrate the legacy and impact that Sean had on our organization, fanbase and community. The Washington Commanders are committed to honoring our legends in a first-class manner.”

Although there is currently no date set for the statue’s unveiling, team sources indicate that meetings with the sculptor will happen soon. Additionally, the organization has plans to continue honoring their legends in the future, especially with the anticipated move to a new stadium. While the Commanders have not yet finalized a new location, they aim to have their new home open by 2030.

Jackie Taylor expressed her gratitude for the planned statue in a statement, saying she feels “filled with gratitude that my dad will forever be a part of the burgundy and gold family.”

In addition to the statue announcement, the Commanders are set to retire Hall of Famer Darrell Green’s No. 28 during halftime of a Week 7 game against Carolina. The team has also previously retired the jerseys of other legends, including Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), and Sonny Jurgensen (9).

The Commanders were sold in July 2023 to a group led by Josh Harris, who had a close relationship with the Taylor family and is committed to honoring the team’s history and legacy. Sean Taylor played for the Washington team from 2004 until his untimely death in 2007, quickly becoming a beloved figure among fans, particularly for a younger generation.

Since his passing, numerous NFL safeties have donned the No. 21 jersey, with many citing his remarkable style of play as an inspiration. Taylor, who stood at 6-foot-2 and weighed 230 pounds, was renowned for his fierce presence on the field and was highly regarded as a hard-hitting safety capable of making significant plays. He recorded five interceptions in just nine games during the 2007 season.